BMTC to boost electric bus fleet from 390 to 1,751 by end of March 2024

BMTC is aiming to add 921 more electric buses to the already existing 390 electric bus fleet by the end of March 2024. Tata Motors has started delivering non-AC electric buses to the corporation.

Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is about to significantly increase its electric bus fleet by 3.5 times from around 400 to 1,751 total units of buses. The corporation has started receiving electric buses from Tata Motors.

Currently, BMTC operates 390 electric buses as a part of the Smart City project and the central government initiative FAME-2. BMTC has set a target of adding 921 more e-buses of the same model to its fleet by the end of the fiscal year.

Moreover, 320 low-floor AC electric buses are also going to be introduced as a part of BMTC’s plan. The corporation is also contemplating adding 120 electric buses as feeder services for Namma Metro.

None of these e-buses will be owned by BMTC according to the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model. The private operators will utilize government subsidies and will lease buses to the corporation for a period of 10-12 years. The operators will provide drivers for these buses while conductors and operational costs on a per km basis will be the responsibility of the corporation.

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BMTC MD G Sathyavathi highlighted the challenges faced under the GCC model. She said, “As per the agreement, we’ll penalise the operator for any discrepancies. We have spoken to the people concerned and directed them to address the staff issues.”

BMTC has received the first set of non-AC electric buses from Tata Motors. These electric Tata buses are under the registration process and are likely to be operational soon.

The official also said, “We’ve identified depots that will have required infrastructure to run new electric buses. The corporation has started receiving buses from Tata Motors and the registration process is on. We will shortly start operations. By the end of March 2024, all 921 buses will be made available for public service. We will replace old AC buses on airport with new electric buses.”

Minister Ramalinga Reddy expressed that the road transport corporation should directly utilize subsidies to operate electric buses instead of involving private players.

Ramalinga Reddy also said, “The ownership of vehicles should rest with the corporations. At present, as per terms of the agreement, BMTC has to pay the operational cost on a per-km basis and the private operator has to operate each bus for a certain distance a day. Operation of city buses is dynamic in nature, running buses agreed to terms may not be feasible all the time. If BMTC owns the fleet, as per the requirement, bus operations can be scheduled.”